Module 1 - Design Inspirations & Big Feature Ideas
Glenn KatzI realize that sustainability is climate specific. Therefore, I looked for examples in Northern California. Two inspirational buildings and museums in San Francisco are The Exploratorium and The California Academy of Science. Each one is sustainable in a different way.
- Exploratorium
Energy efficiency
The Exploratorium is the largest Net Zero Energy museum in the US. - The Exploratorium uses a 1.3-megawatt solar power system, featuring 5,874 high-efficiency solar panels on the rooftop, to offset electricity demands
- The geothermal Bay water heating and cooling manages building temperature without a cooling tower or boiler, saving over two million gallons of potable water annually and enabling an all-electric Exploratorium
- Fritted or low-emissivity glass improves building envelope, reduces solar heat gain, saving energy, and optimizing system performance, while letting in natural light
- LED lighting upgrades: Saves energy at the fixture level, generates less heat, reducing demand on cooling systems
- Harvests natural light in staff spaces and selected galleries, reducing the need for electric lighting
- Fresh air at occupant level, using natural convection instead of traditional forced air design
Sustainability at the ExploratoriumAdaptive reuse
Part of this project included the renovation and preservation of a historic building at San Francisco’s Pier 15, using recycled materials. Parts of the interior are also adaptively reused, keeping the open exhibition spaces and exposing the structure.
Preservation of pier 15
Reuse of interior - California Academy of Sciences
Materials
Embodied carbon is a significant part of construction emissions, and is highly depend on the used materials. The California Academy of Sciences uses sustainable materials. - 90% of demolition materials from the previous buildings were recycled
- Recycled denim insulation is used, providing better heat retention and sound absorption than fiberglass, and is safer for installers
- Concrete in the museum is made from 15% fly ash and 35% slag, preventing the release of over 5,375 tons of carbon emissions
- 95% of the building's steel comes from recycled sources
- 50% of the lumber used was harvested from sustainable-yield forests
- At least 20% of building materials are local, reducing transportation impacts and supporting the regional economy
Green
One of the key features of the California Academy of Sciences is the green roof. As discussed in the previous assignment, my favorite museum, the Chichu museum, uses the same principle of green roofs, but in an even more extreme way by construction the building underground. Green roofs have a plethora of advantages: - The green roof supports a diverse range of plant life, promoting biodiversity in the urban environment
- Green roofs act as natural insulators, helping regulate building temperatures and the vegetation on the roof reduces the heat island effect, improving energy efficiency by keeping the building cooler
- Plants on the green roof help filter pollutants and improve air quality in the surrounding area
- The green roof absorbs rainwater, reducing stormwater runoff and helping manage water drainage effectively
- Access to green spaces, including green rooftops, has been associated with improved mental health and well-being
- Green spaces can encourage physical activity and outdoor engagement, promoting a healthier lifestyle
Chichu Art museum in Japan
California Academy of Science Education
This museum combines education, awareness-raising of environmental issues and scientific research. Wander Woods, a hands-on, nature play and exploration space, is a part of the museum. This outdoor space is constructed from locally sourced materials like salvaged tree trunks, Wander Woods features accessible spaces that give visitors an immersive way to explore nature.
Wander Woods Sustainability is not always lots of green, solar panels etc., sustainability can be simply different from what we imagined. When we take a look at the global sustainable development goals, some can seem less obvious for the design of an exhibition space, but many are applicable and will be kept in mind while designing this project. For example, the goals 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12, 13, 15 can be found in the projects above.